August 16th, 2011
I can hardly believe that school starts tomorrow. I am both excited and a little sad. I always enjoy the first month or so but then after that, sometimes the days seem to drag on a bit here and there. I am often very happy when Tori comes home from school and fills my ears with the days events while I sit and marvel at what an interesting person she is turning out to be. When she is recounting the highlights of class around a mouth full of milk-soaked cookie, I am also reminded of only yesterday, when her older sister sat in the same dining room chair and shared HER day with me as well. Now, my oldest is entering her second year of college while living on her own in an apartment she pays for an hour away from our home. Sometimes it seems the universe lives and breathes in that distance and I worry constantly for the day when it grows even further. But I take solace in her beauty both outwardly and inward. She is a remarkable young woman and I am proud to be her Mother.
The beginning of school seems to always mark the passing of yet another year more so than any other day of the year. Perhaps that’s because I know it’s only a few years until I am sitting in those bleachers at the high school, waiving away at the last baby bird to leave the nest. Thank god that day is still some years away.
I do look forward to the stolen lunches with my Husbeast, the quiet afternoons on the porch and the smell of a wonderfully clean house all day long. I do enjoy the time alone that school affords me – but I also know that one day, that is all that there will be and I wonder if it will be so enjoyable then ….
My wishes this year for my children are;
- for Sarah … I wish for her to not have to work so hard between her two jobs and for understanding to happen easily for her in some of her classes. I hope that she finds time for herself and keeps her goals in mind and doesn’t forget to be human once in a while.
- for Tori.; I hope that all of the distracting-ill-mannered children are placed in the OTHER class (lol). I hope that she finds someone to confide in that is honest and trustworthy and her own age. And I hope that she learns to forgive herself for being human once in a while.
And to all the other Mothers, if you find Father Time, please let me know. I’d like to negotiate with him ……..
No, no, no — that can’t be a picture of Tori — where is our little girl? She is growing up into a lovely young lady. The hands of the clock are speeding by us.
Good job, dear Christina and Matt. What beautiful, strong, wise, and hard working (!) women you are rising your daughters to be.